Ofgem, the UK energy regulator, has announced the selection of four potential operators, including a newcomer consortium, to compete for the ownership and operation of three offshore wind farm transmission assets valued at approximately £2 billion.

In its most valuable Offshore Transmission Owner (OFTO) bidding round to date, Ofgem has narrowed down the contenders for the transmission assets. The four bidders include Gravis Capital Partners leading a consortium of newcomers, along with previous bidders EKITD Consortium, Diamond Transmission Partners, and Transmission Capital Partners.

All four bidders have successfully passed the initial 'Enhanced Pre-Qualification' stage, demonstrating their financial and management capabilities to handle the OFTO assets involved in the tenth tender round, according to Ofgem.

The transmission assets in question are associated with the Dogger Bank A Offshore Wind Farm, Neart na Gaiothe Offshore Wind Farm, and Moray Offshore Wind Farm (West). These assets collectively hold an estimated value of £2 billion.

Rebecca Barnett, Ofgem's Director of Networks, highlighted the increasing interest from investors and the emergence of new bidding consortia in the competitive field of offshore wind farm transmission assets. Barnett noted that this competition benefits consumers by helping to keep energy costs down. She further emphasized that many investors are seeking green and sustainable investments that provide a steady, index-linked income, which is precisely what OFTOs (Offshore Transmission Owners) offer.

With a series of multibillion-pound OFTO assets set to enter the market in the coming years, Ofgem anticipates additional opportunities for more investors and consortia to participate in the sector and contribute to the growth of offshore wind energy in the UK.